Plan Urgent

Domestic violence cases have spiked in Barbados in the first quarter of this year, prompting an advocate’s renewed urgency for a long-proposed national strategy on domestic violence and gender-based violence.

Police reported a 21 per cent year-over-year increase in cases in 2023, but the charity Advocates Against Domestic Abuse (AADA), said Friday the official figures drastically undercount the true prevalence of spousal and intimate partner abuse.

AADA founder Barbara Goddard said her organisation’s hotline has seen a 30 per cent jump in calls so far this year compared to the same period in 2023. She estimates the full scale is “trebled and more” than what police statistics capture since law enforcement does not keep tabs on all domestic violence charities.

“If the police were in liaison with all the relevant organisations working in this arena the numbers would be trebled and more,” Goddard told Barbados TODAY. “Our 24/7 hotline, 432-2873, has been extremely busy for the first three months of 2024, we have seen an increase of about 30 per cent as compared to 2023.

“Having a national strategy will lock into place the relevant ministries that are directly and indirectly part of the solution – currently, Barbados cannot state with conviction the true level of [Domestic Violence] on the island.”

The proposed national strategy would coordinate a comprehensive response across government agencies, healthcare facilities, the judicial system and support services. It has stalled for over a decade despite Goddard and other advocates pushing for its implementation, she said.

Among the recommendations, Goddard emphasised several priorities: mandatory reporting requirements for all institutions interacting with potential victims, specialised personnel at medical centres, transitional housing assistance, court victim advocates, and limiting child visitation with abusive fathers.

“The biggest challenge is the lack of having somewhere affordable to move,” Goddard said, noting an increase in homelessness among victims who can’t afford Barbados’ high rents after fleeing their homes.

While physical abuse remains prevalent, Goddard said psychological, financial and sexual violence are also widespread issues. She cited underlying causes like abusers’ efforts to exert power and control over victims.

Looking ahead, AADA said it plans to boost domestic violence training across the public and private sectors to improve recognition of signs among employees. The organisation also aims to create more safe spaces for survivors “as the best advocates from a position of experience” to work on solutions.

“We need a victim charter with a court liaison officer specialising in domestic violence that will give confidence to the women who must face the court,” Goddard said.

Police said there were 572 reported cases of domestic violence in 2023, compared to 471 cases in 2022, a 21 per cent increase. But Goddard pointed out that police figures only account for persons who report to police stations.

(SD)